This idyllic island paradise is a haven of sun-drenched beaches and crystal water filled with colourful marine life. The locals are very friendly, giving the island a homely feel and resulting in some of the most fun and rewarding tour experiences. As the largest of the Cook Islands, Rarotonga provides plenty to see and do, from lagoon cruises and snorkelling, to inland jungle treks and quad tours.
Don't miss these Rarotonga attractions
- Pa's Trek inland day tour
- Te Rua Manga (The Needle)
- Muri Lagoon scuba diving or snorkelling
- Deep sea fishing charters
- Highland Paradise
Adventures await outside
Rarotonga, the most popular island of the Cook Islands, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, boasting an array of inland and coastal activities and tours. If you wish to discover Rarotonga by sea, you can do so with scuba diving and snorkelling tours, deep sea fishing expeditions, whale watching cruises, exciting water sports, or glass bottom boats.
When you need a break from the sand and salt, you might want to head inland to explore the lush nature. Local tour guides make each experience informative and fun, whether you're trekking through the forest, zooming around on quad bikes or taking a leisurely bicycle ride.
Cultural experiences
Rarotonga is home to rich culture and traditions, and learning about each one makes for a rewarding and eye-opening experience. You can join locals at Highland Paradise, known as 'the lost village', for an initiation into Cook Islands entertainment, spiritual practices and feasts. Guided tours of the village teach you about 150 years of colourful history.
There's more culture to be found around the island and on a single day you can spend hours learning traditional drumming and dancing, and exploring local markets including black pearl purveyors. Locally organised bar crawls give you the opportunity to party with the islanders and discover classic Rarotonga nightlife.